Southern girl names have a charm that’s hard to resist.
They evoke images of sprawling porches, sweet tea, and warm hospitality.
Whether you’re looking for something classic, sassy, or uniquely Southern, these names carry a sense of tradition and grace that feels timeless yet fresh.
This list of 182 Southern girl names will have you swooning over their beauty and meaning—each one with its own story to tell.
Beautiful Southern Girl Names With Meanings
- Abigail – A timeless name meaning “father’s joy” that has been popular in the South for generations.
- Adalynn – A modern southern favorite meaning “noble and kind.”
- Addison – Originally a masculine name that has become a popular choice for southern girls, meaning “son of Adam.”
- Adeline – A sweet name with French roots meaning “noble” that sounds like a southern belle.
- Ainsley – A Scottish name meaning “one’s own meadow” that has gained popularity in the South.
- Alabama – Named after the southern state, meaning “tribal town.”
- Alana – A gentle name meaning “harmony” or “peace.”
- Alice – A classic name meaning “noble” that has remained popular throughout the South.
- Allison – A name meaning “noble” that has a strong yet feminine sound.
- Amelia – A beautiful name meaning “work” that exudes southern charm.
- Annabelle – A combination of Anna and Belle meaning “lovable” that sounds quintessentially southern.
- Anna – A timeless name meaning “grace” that has been a southern staple for centuries.
- Annie – A sweet diminutive of Anna meaning “grace” that feels homey and warm.
- Arabella – An elegant name meaning “yielding to prayer” that sounds like it belongs in a southern novel.
- Arden – A unisex name meaning “great forest” that captures the natural beauty of the South.
- Azalea – Named after the vibrant flower that flourishes throughout the South.
- Belle – The French word for “beautiful” that became the quintessential southern belle name.
- Blossom – A floral name that evokes the lush southern landscape.
- Calliope – A musical name meaning “beautiful voice” that reflects the South’s rich musical heritage.
- Caroline – A classic southern name meaning “free woman” or “song of happiness.”
- Carrie – A diminutive of Caroline meaning “free man” that has a friendly, approachable feel.
- Cassandra – A name with Greek origins meaning “prophetess” that sounds sophisticated.
- Cassidy – A unisex name meaning “curly-haired” that has a playful southern twang.
- Catherine – A timeless name meaning “pure” that has graced many southern families.
- Charlotte – A name meaning “free woman” that’s associated with the North Carolina city.
- Cheyenne – A name borrowed from Native American heritage meaning “people of a different language.”
- Clara – A bright, clear name that sounds as fresh as a southern morning.
- Clarabelle – A combination of Clara and Belle meaning “bright and beautiful.”
- Clementine – A fruity name meaning “merciful” with a nostalgic southern touch.
- Cricket – A playful nickname-turned-name that evokes the sounds of southern evenings.
- Dallas – Named after the Texas city, meaning “valley house.”
- Daisy – A flower name that feels as fresh as a southern garden.
- Delilah – A melodic name of Hebrew origin meaning “delicate.”
- Dixie – A name symbolizing the South itself, representing warmth and charm.
- Dolly – A sweet diminutive name that calls to mind country music legend Dolly Parton.
- Eliza – A shortened form of Elizabeth meaning “pledged to God” with a graceful southern feel.
- Elizabeth – A classic name meaning “God is my oath” that has been popular in the South for centuries.
- Ella – A short, sweet name meaning “fairy maiden” that sounds like a southern belle.
- Ellie – A diminutive of Eleanor meaning “bright, shining one” that’s both cute and classic.
- Emery – A name meaning “industrious” that has a modern yet southern feel.
- Emma – A timeless name meaning “universal” that has remained popular throughout the South.
- Emmeline – An elegant variation of Emma meaning “peaceful home” that sounds distinctly southern.
- Evangeline – A poetic name meaning “bearer of good news” with literary southern connections.
- Faith – A virtue name that reflects the strong religious traditions of the South.
- Fanny – An old-fashioned diminutive of Frances meaning “free one” with southern charm.
- Flora – A name meaning “flower” that evokes the lush gardens of the South.
- Florence – A name meaning “flourishing” that has a vintage southern feel.
- Georgia – Named after the southern state, meaning “farmer” in Greek.
- Grace – A virtue name cherished for its elegance and simplicity.
- Gracelyn – A modern combination of Grace and Lynn meaning “graceful lake.”
- Hadley – A unisex name meaning “heather field” that has gained popularity in the South.
- Haley – A name meaning “hay meadow” that has a friendly southern sound.
- Hannah – A biblical name meaning “grace” that has remained popular in the religious South.
- Harriet – A name meaning “estate ruler” that honors notable southern historical figures.
- Hattie – A diminutive of Harriet with a vintage southern charm.
- Hazel – A nature name referring to the hazelnut tree that has made a comeback in the South.
- Heather – A name inspired by the flowering plant that thrives in the southern climate.
- Holly – A name referring to the holly tree that’s common throughout the South.
- Hope – A virtue name reflecting the optimistic spirit of the South.
- Ida – A short, sweet name meaning “hardworking” with old-fashioned southern appeal.
- Imogene – An uncommon name meaning “image” with a distinctly southern sound.
- Isabelle – A variation of Elizabeth meaning “pledged to God” with a southern belle quality.
- Ivy – A nature name that calls to mind the ivy-covered buildings of southern estates.
- Jacqueline – A feminine form of Jacques meaning “supplanter” with a sophisticated southern air.
- Jane – A simple, classic name meaning “God is gracious” that never goes out of style in the South.
- Jasmine – A flower name that thrives in the southern climate.
- Jessica – A name meaning “foresight” that has been popular throughout the South.
- Jillian – A name meaning “youthful” with a friendly southern sound.
- Jocelyn – A name meaning “member of the Gauts tribe” with an elegant southern feel.
- Johanna – A feminine form of John meaning “God is gracious” with a graceful sound.
- Jolene – A name meaning “pretty” made famous by Dolly Parton’s song.
- Josephine – A feminine form of Joseph meaning “God will increase” with southern elegance.
- Josie – A diminutive of Josephine with a friendly, approachable southern charm.
- Joy – A virtue name that embodies happiness and the joyful spirit of the South.
- Julia – A name meaning “youthful” with a timeless quality popular in southern states.
- Juliet – A romantic name with Shakespearean connections that sounds sophisticated.
- June – A month name that evokes warm southern summers.
- Katherine – A classic name meaning “pure” that has been a southern favorite for generations.
- Katie – A diminutive of Katherine with a friendly, down-to-earth southern feel.
- Laney – A shortened form of names like Elaine or Alana meaning “bright, shining light.”
- Laura – A name meaning “laurel tree” that has remained popular throughout the South.
- Laurel – A nature name referring to the laurel tree common in southern forests.
- Leah – A biblical name meaning “weary” that has remained popular in the religious South.
- Lena – A shortened form of names like Helena meaning “bright, shining light.”
- Lenora – A variation of Eleanor meaning “light” with a distinctly southern sound.
- Lily – A flower name that grows abundantly in southern gardens.
- Liza – A shortened form of Elizabeth with a zippy southern twang.
- Loretta – A name meaning “little laurel” made famous by country singer Loretta Lynn.
- Louise – A feminine form of Louis meaning “famous warrior” with southern charm.
- Lucy – A name meaning “light” with a sweet, simple sound popular in the South.
- Lulu – A playful diminutive possibly of Louise or Lucinda with southern flair.
- Lydia – A biblical name meaning “from Lydia” that has remained popular in the religious South.
- Mabel – A vintage name meaning “lovable” that’s making a comeback in the South.
- Madeline – A name meaning “high tower” with a graceful southern sound.
- Magnolia – Named after the iconic southern flower and tree.
- Margaret – A classic name meaning “pearl” that has been popular in southern families for generations.
- Martha – A biblical name meaning “lady” that has remained popular in the religious South.
- Mary – A timeless biblical name that has been a southern staple for centuries.
- Matilda – A name meaning “battle-mighty” with a vintage southern charm.
- Mavis – A bird name meaning “song thrush” with a unique southern sound.
- May – A month name that evokes the beauty of southern springs.
- Meredith – A name meaning “great ruler” with a sophisticated southern feel.
- Mildred – A vintage name meaning “gentle strength” with old-fashioned southern appeal.
- Millie – A diminutive of names like Mildred or Millicent with a sweet southern sound.
- Minnie – A diminutive of Minerva meaning “of the mind, intellect” with vintage charm.
- Missy – A nickname meaning “young girl” that has become a given name in the South.
- Molly – A diminutive of Mary with a friendly, approachable southern feel.
- Myrtle – A nature name referring to the myrtle tree common in the South.
- Nancy – A diminutive of Ann meaning “grace” that has remained popular in the South.
- Natalie – A name meaning “birthday of the Lord” with a graceful sound.
- Nellie – A diminutive of names like Helen or Eleanor with vintage southern charm.
- Nora – A shortened form of Eleanor meaning “light” with a simple, elegant sound.
- Olivia – A name meaning “olive tree” that has remained popular throughout the South.
- Opal – A gemstone name that was particularly popular in the early 20th century South.
- Paisley – A pattern name with Scottish origins that has gained popularity in the South.
- Patsy – A diminutive of Patricia meaning “noble” made famous by country singer Patsy Cline.
- Pearl – A gemstone name that has been a southern favorite for generations.
- Penelope – A name meaning “weaver” with a graceful southern sound.
- Phoebe – A name meaning “bright, pure” with a friendly southern feel.
- Poppy – A flower name that grows in southern gardens.
- Priscilla – A biblical name meaning “ancient” that has remained popular in the religious South.
- Prudence – A virtue name reflecting the traditional values of the South.
- Rachel – A biblical name meaning “ewe” that has remained popular in the religious South.
- Rebecca – A biblical name meaning “to bind” that has been a southern staple for generations.
- Reba – A shortened form of Rebecca made famous by country singer Reba McEntire.
- Reese – A unisex name meaning “enthusiasm” with southern roots.
- Regina – A name meaning “queen” with a regal southern sound.
- Rhiannon – A Welsh name meaning “great queen” with a musical connection.
- Rhoda – A biblical name meaning “rose” with old-fashioned southern charm.
- Rita – A shortened form of names like Margaret with a zippy southern sound.
- Rose – A flower name that grows abundantly in southern gardens.
- Rosemary – A combination of Rose and Mary, also a herb that grows well in the South.
- Ruby – A gemstone name that has been popular in the South for generations.
- Ruth – A biblical name meaning “companion” that has remained popular in the religious South.
- Sadie – A diminutive of Sarah meaning “princess” with southern charm.
- Sally – A diminutive of Sarah with a friendly, approachable southern feel.
- Samantha – A feminine form of Samuel meaning “told by God” popular throughout the South.
- Sarah – A biblical name meaning “princess” that has been a southern staple for centuries.
- Savannah – Named after the Georgia city, meaning “large grassy plain.”
- Scarlett – A color name made famous by “Gone with the Wind” character Scarlett O’Hara.
- Selma – A name meaning “divine helmet” with southern historical connections.
- Shelby – A unisex name meaning “estate on the ledge” with southern roots.
- Shirley – A name meaning “bright meadow” with vintage southern charm.
- Sienna – A color name with a warm, earthy southern feel.
- Sophia – A name meaning “wisdom” that has remained popular throughout the South.
- Stella – A name meaning “star” with a strong yet feminine southern sound.
- Susanna – A biblical name meaning “lily” that has remained popular in the religious South.
- Suzanne – A variation of Susan meaning “lily” with a graceful southern sound.
- Sylvia – A name meaning “from the forest” with a sophisticated southern feel.
- Tabitha – A biblical name meaning “gazelle” with southern charm.
- Tallulah – A Native American name meaning “leaping water” with strong southern connections.
- Tammy – A diminutive of Tamara meaning “palm tree” with a friendly southern sound.
- Tara – A name with Irish origins made famous by “Gone with the Wind.”
- Tennessee – Named after the southern state, with musical connections to Tennessee Williams.
- Thelma – A name meaning “will, volition” with vintage southern charm.
- Theodosia – An elegant name meaning “giving to God” with southern historical connections.
- Trixie – A diminutive of Beatrix meaning “blessed voyager” with a playful southern twang.
- Trudy – A diminutive of Gertrude meaning “strength of a spear” with southern charm.
- Twila – A name meaning “twilight” with a unique southern sound.
- Valerie – A name meaning “strength, health” with a graceful southern feel.
- Vera – A name meaning “faith” that reflects the strong religious traditions of the South.
- Veronica – A name meaning “true image” with a sophisticated southern sound.
- Victoria – A name meaning “victory” with a regal southern feel.
- Viola – A musical name also referring to the flower, with southern literary connections.
- Virginia – Named after the southern state, meaning “virgin, pure.”
- Vivian – A name meaning “alive” with a graceful southern sound.
- Willa – A feminine form of William meaning “resolute protection” with southern literary connections.
- Willow – A tree name that grows throughout the southern landscape.
- Winifred – A name meaning “peaceful friend” with vintage southern charm.
- Wynona – A Native American name meaning “firstborn daughter” with country music connections.
- Ximena – A Spanish name meaning “listener” that has gained popularity in the South.
- Yancy – A unisex name meaning “Englishman” with southern roots.
- Yazmin – A variation of Jasmine with a unique southern twist.
- Yvonne – A French name meaning “yew wood” with a sophisticated southern sound.
- Zara – A name meaning “princess” with a modern southern feel.
- Zelda – A name meaning “gray fighting maid” with southern literary connections.
- Zella – A name meaning “shadow” with a unique southern sound.
- Zoe – A name meaning “life” that has remained popular throughout the South.
- Zora – A name meaning “dawn” with southern literary connections to Zora Neale Hurston.
- Zurie – A name meaning “white and brilliant” with a modern southern twist.
- Zyla – A unique name with a zippy southern sound.
- Zyra – A name meaning “sunrise” with a modern southern feel.
Final Thoughts: Tips for Choosing the Perfect Southern Name
- Look to your family tree for inspiration—southern naming traditions often involve honoring relatives.
- Consider place names with personal significance—cities, states, or natural landmarks from the South.
- Don’t shy away from double names (Mary Beth, Sarah Jane)—they’re a southern tradition.
- Think about nicknames—southerners love a good nickname, so make sure you like potential shortenings.
- Balance uniqueness with pronunciation—you want a name that stands out but doesn’t confuse people.
- Test the full name by saying it out loud—southern names often have a musical quality when spoken.
- Remember that virtue names (Faith, Grace, Hope) have deep roots in southern tradition.
- Consider the meaning behind the name—many southern parents choose names with significant meanings.
- Trust your gut—the right name will feel like it belongs to your little one before you even meet her.
- Don’t rush the decision—the perfect southern name might come to you when you least expect it.
Choosing a southern name for your baby girl means giving her a piece of rich cultural heritage that blends tradition with charm. Whether you go with a classic like Elizabeth or something uniquely southern like Tallulah, your daughter’s name will carry the warmth and hospitality the South is known for.
Take your time, say the names out loud, and imagine calling your little one by that name for years to come. The right southern name will feel like a perfect fit—just like your baby girl herself.